I've met some stubborn birds in my time

After a relaxing and productive morning, Christmas shopping, the current Mrs J treated me to lunch at the club.

Looking out over the lake under its wintery sky my eye was caught by a cormorant perched on the dock, going through a very intricate display routine of wing stretches and neck rotations.

After lunch I made my way to the lakeside, whereupon the bird reverted to an immobile pose and after 15 minutes gazing at each other, without in the case of the bird moving so much as a wing tip, I gave up and settled for a general shot across the lake.

As soon as I turned to return to the warmth of the club, the cormorant resumed its display, delicately raising two feathers to me as I walked away.